Friday's International Day of Non-Violence [October 2, 2026] marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, a leader who remained committed to the principle of non-violence, even in the most difficult circumstances

https://x.com/UN/status/2105870639475429640/photo/1

[AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine, or at least fair and just laws and policies here, there- and everywhere] 

https://www.un.org/en/observances/non-violence-day 

The “Non-Violence” (or “Knotted Gun”) sculpture by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd on display at the UN Visitors’ Plaza. The Knotted Gun is the symbol of the Non-Violence Project Foundation. Photo:UN Photo/Fan Xiao

In these highly charged times, let’s summon the courage, empathy, dignity and shared humanity that Gandhi exemplified throughout his life.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

 

Say No to Violence

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence".

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said: "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man".

Gandhi and the struggle for non-violence

The name of Mahatma Gandhi transcends the bounds of race, religion and nation-states, and has emerged as the prophetic voice of the twenty-first century. The world remembers Gandhi not just for his passionate adherence to the practice of non-violence and supreme humanism, but as the benchmark against which we test men and women in public life, political ideas and government policies, and the hopes and wishes of our shared planet.

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ahmisa-non-violence-gandhi-and-global-citizenship-education-gced 

It’s time to invest in the architecture of peace, not the tools of war. That means living up to disarmament obligations. Rebuilding trust. And strengthening the systems and tools that prevent the proliferation, testing and use of deadly weapons. Together, we can prevent catastrophes and ensure a safe and peaceful world for all.

 António Guterres 

@antonioguterres

 

Feb 28, 2026 

 

I condemn the military escalation in the Middle East today. 

 

The strikes by the US & Israel against Iran & the subsequent attacks by Iran undermine international security. 

 

These actions carry the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world. 

 

Lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations. 

 

The United Nations @UN Charter provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace & security.

https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/2027855751155212760/photo/1 

[AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine, or at least fair and just laws and policies]

António Guterres

 

@antonioguterres

 

All the unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond are causing tremendous suffering and harm to civilians throughout the region – and pose a grave a risk to the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable people. 

 

The situation could spiral beyond anyone’s control. It is time to stop the fighting and get to serious diplomatic negotiations. The stakes could not be higher. 

 

António Guterres

 

@antonioguterres

 

As global tensions are pushing military spending to stratospheric levels, I urge leaders to halt the arms races. 

 

We must invest in the architecture of peace, not the tools of war. Together, we can build a safe & peaceful world for all.

 

 https://disarmament.unoda.org/en/sgstatement 

 

5 March 2026

 

Secretary-General's Message for the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness

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Statements | António Guterres, Secretary-General

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Our dream of peace is in peril.

The threat of nuclear weapons use is the highest in decades. Global tensions are pushing military spending to stratospheric levels. Small arms and light weapons are proliferating. And emerging technologies are making conflicts even deadlier.

We must lower the temperature. On this International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, I urge leaders to step back from the brink. Stop rattling the nuclear saber. Halt the arms races.

It’s time to invest in the architecture of peace, not the tools of war. That means living up to disarmament obligations. Rebuilding trust. And strengthening the systems and tools that prevent the proliferation, testing and use of deadly weapons.

Together, we can prevent catastrophes and ensure a safe and peaceful world for all.

https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statements/2026-03-05/secretary-generals-message-for-the-international-day-for-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-awareness 

 

Whether on a long road or a church stage, Aloka remains a steadfast support to the venerable monks, proving that peace is a journey shared by all beings...

Peace Dog Photo Credit: Palm Jariya

Aloka the Peace Dog 

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This morning, our faithful companion Aloka took his place right on the stage during the Peace Gathering at Legacy Church in Wytheville, VA.

 

While the venerable monks stood to share their message, Aloka sat on the ground right beside them. He looked truly dedicated to the mission. Whether on a long road or a church stage, Aloka remains a steadfast support to the venerable monks, proving that peace is a journey shared by all beings.

Photo Credit: Palm Jariya

 

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace.

 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122117404935164116&set=a.122097429435164116

 [AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine, or at least fair and just laws and policies]  

Aloka the Peace Dog 🐕—the loyal companion with the peace heart on his forehead. Walking the 2,300-mile Walk for Peace journey with the Venerable Monks across America. Spreading peace and loving-kindness, one paw-step at a time. 🐾  

Aloka the Peace Dog 

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The Story of Aloka - Many people often ask about Aloka’s breed! While we aren't exactly sure, we estimate he is about 4 years old and likely an Indian Pariah dog.

 

His journey is truly special—he was once a stray wandering in India who began following the Venerable Monks. He walked with them for over 100 days across India, very much like the #WalkForPeace we are on today! 

 

Though his exact birthday remains a mystery, his loyalty and peaceful spirit are clear to everyone he meets.

 

May you and all beings be happy and at peace.  

 

 

The venerable monks and Aloka have returned home. May their mission for peace stay with all of us. #AlokaThePeaceDog

 

Aloka the Peace Dog 

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On Day 112, our home temple, Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center, was filled with overwhelming joy! During the Homecoming ceremony, Aloka took a moment for quiet contemplation, settling into a beautiful peace pose right in the middle of the event.

 

He seemed so happy to finally be home, surrounded by the thousands of people who gathered to welcome the venerable monks and him back. It was a powerful sight to see so many hearts joined together, ready to continue the path of peace as one community.

 

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace.

#WalkForPeace #PeaceWalk #BuddhistMonks